Septic Systems

Most people don’t really think much about the wastewater created in their homes. Out of sight and out of mind is what happens in most cases with septic systems until problems occur. However, a failing septic system is more than a nuisance – it is a health hazard and can cause significant water quality problems. Nearly 50% of the residents in North Carolina are on septic tank systems (NC Department of Environmental Health). One of the easiest ways to protect water sources from pollution is to check and maintain your septic system.

If not properly installed or maintained, septic systems can pollute wells and streams. The major contaminants from failing septic systems that enter water are disease-causing germs. Another potential contaminant that can come from septic systems is nitrogen in the form of nitrate-nitrogen. If the nitrate level of well water is too high, it can be hazardous to infants. Nitrogen in lower levels can cause algae blooms and loss of dissolved oxygen. Failing septic systems can also release endocrine disrupting chemicals to surface and ground water.

You may wish to select septic systems as an Action Issue for your jurisdiction if that is the prevalent method of wastewater treatment in your jurisdiction. Septic systems are a particularly relevant issue when there are a lot of systems located adjacent to recreational resources, like along a lake or coastline. If monitoring data shows that streams in your jurisdiction are polluted with fecal coliform and/or nutrients, that would be another good reason to select septic systems as an Action Issue.

Target Audiences

Any of the following that are served by a septic system:

• Homeowners (both existing and new),
• Renters,
• Minority populations,
• Real estate agents, and
• Vacationers (and the owners of vacation rentals).

Approaches

Many members of your community may not even be aware that they have a septic system. You may be able to work through your local county health department to obtain a list of septic system owners. Then, you can send them brochures to explain that a septic system is not “free” wastewater treatment – it requires maintenance just like every other part of their homes. Also remind homeowners of the high cost of replacing the system if it fails and the human health concerns they may face if they don’t maintain their systems (especially if they also have a well).

You can also work with your local register of deeds so that your citizens know they have a septic system at the time they purchase a new property and understand what they need to do to maintain it.

Existing Educational Materials

Do not use any materials on this website without first contacting the sponsoring organization and obtaining their permission.

Slogans

• After you flush, it just doesn’t go away. – City of Portland, Oregon

Public Outreach

• Septic Socials Fact Sheet (NC Watershed Education for Community Officials) (will provide a .pdf file when it is ready)

Public Venues: Presentations

• Identifying Failing Septic Systems (NC Department of Environmental Health)

Giveaways

• Don’t Flush It! Door Hanger (NC Department of Environmental Health)
• Don’t Sink It! Door Hanger (NC Department of Environmental Health)

Print Materials: Brochures

• Septic Systems in Coastal NC: Basics for a Healthy Coastal Environment (NC National Estuarine Research Reserve)
• Free septic system information is available on request from the Division of Environmental Health, On-site Wastewater Section: 919-733-2895 or : 1-800-SEWAGE (1-800-426-4791).
• Septic Systems (Florida Yards and Neighborhoods)
• Caring for Your Septic System (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials)

Print Materials: Detailed Technical Information

• Home*A*Syst Septic System Fact Sheet for the Piedmont and West (NC Cooperative Extension)
• Home*A*Syst Septic System Fact Sheet for Coastal North Carolina (NC Cooperative Extension)
• Septic System Owners Guide (NC Cooperative Extension)
• Soil Facts: Septic Systems and Their Maintenance (NC Cooperative Extension)
• Soil Facts: Investigate Before You Invest (NC Cooperative Extension)
• Soil Facts: Management of Single Family and Small Community Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems (NC Cooperative Extension)
• Septic Systems in Coastal NC: Basics for a Healthy Coastal Environment (NC National Estuarine Research Reserve)

Websites

• Homeowner Tips and Information (NC Department of Environmental Health)
• Accounting for Septic Systems in NC (NC Department of Environmental Health) Select a watershed of interest in the map below to learn about density distribution and statistics of septic tank sytems or view a State wide summary of sewage disposal and potential nitrogen contributions of septic systems to surface and ground water.
• Listing of the local health departments (NC Department of Environmental Health)